This is a monumental year for me; I’m turning 40 mid year, but I’m celebrating all year long and calling it the Year of the 40. Do other quadragenarians do this? Probably not, but I’m not going to apologize for it because quite honestly growing up I never would have imagined my life being as RAW as it is. I’ve spent some time processing this (you don’t become a life coach and not assess your own life), and I’ve had my share of challenges and yet here I am - standing strong in gratitude for all of it. That’s worth celebrating.

I clearly remember the year my mom turned 40. She received black flowers, black balloons and tchotchke things with the inscription over the hill. Sorry mom, but at that age I thought it meant you were dying soon because of how old you were! As I near 40 and chuckle at my naivety, I realize that I, myself, am far from old, as was my mother, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t become complacent. The past four years I have put myself on hold, which is what most mothers do when they choose to bring little humans into the world, but now it is time. Time for radical change, or maybe a return to my true north self.

Over the past few months I’ve been busy acquiring inspiration, and dreaming and scheming about what I want out of this year in order to truly celebrate my RAW indigo life. I created a 40 things for 40 years list and decided I am willing to share part of my list with you. Let’s be clear, however, sharing this list is not in a rigid “I need to accomplish all of this” kind of way. This isn’t about success or failure. Considering I’m a better dreamer than doer, action takes place in my world when I write it down and have a list to refer to. If I do ten things on this list by the end of the year, I will be content because it means I’m on my way.

A few things on the list are personal so I’ve only shared 26 of them with you, but my hope is that it will inspire you to create your own list for the year; even if we are midway through February - there is still time. The list is comprised of activities for every area of my life from my life’s work, to wellness, creativity, relationships and spirituality. What will you do for your Year of the XX?

Glen Campbell made the song famous, but our interpretation differs after the first line. We just returned from a quick juant to the gulf coast island and, yes, I can still hear your seawinds blowing. There is something refreshing and still about spending time with one's feet in the sand near the ocean. My mind was so quiet I barely spoke a word all weekend.

P starts preschool this fall. Five half days, so this trip was a good-bye to summer before he begins this week. We gave the Hotel Galvez a try, but despite its historical draw, the results were disappointing. The beach, however, was a quick walk across the street and it never displeases. Isn't it the sole reason for going to Galveston?

Getting their feet wet

We walked the beach most nights during my favorite hour; twilight. The light is even more stunning on the beach; always finding a way to make everything enchanting.

The Pleasure Pier at dusk

We typically opt for a house or condo rental on the opposite end of the island, away from the crowd. However, with our trip being a short weekend we decided to stay in town and let someone else make the beds and do the cooking. It was a good choice as it made for more beach and pool time.

My wife goofing off

There is nothing profound to say here about this trip, except for the importance of taking care of one's soul. Sometimes you have to leave the familiar and drop your feet somewhere new with your family in tow. We all needed a little time to explore the sand, soak up the last bits of sun for the summer and just be.

Glen Campbell is still on our air waves; P keeps asking for the Galveston song. I don't object and if we close our eyes, we can still hear the waves. My hope is that it will keeps us grounded these first few weeks of chaos.